The Cubs trimmed their Spring Training roster on Friday afternoon before the split squad games against the Mariners and Angels from 58 to 53 players.
The Cubs optioned Richie Robnett to Triple-A Iowa and assigned non-roster invitees J.R. Mathes, Brian Schlitter, Matt Smith and Steve Clevenger to minor league camp. … [Read more...]

The Cubs first game of the Cactus League schedule is two days away and the first ten days of Camp Lou III have been very quiet. Lou Piniella described camp as being very workman like so far as the players prepare for the games to begin.
With the long exhibition season, the Cubs figure to get extended looks at players that might have slipped through in years past. After the minor league teams report to Fitch Park on March 12, look for many to make the short drive down the street to participate … [Read more...]

The Cubs announced on Tuesday they invited 21 players to Spring Training....pitchers and catchers report to Mesa on Friday, February 13th. The Cubs signed Mike Stanton to a minor-league deal on Tuesday and will give the former All-Star a reliever a chance to make the big league club after missing the entire 2008 season.
Other non-roster invitees include Welington Castillo, Andrew Cashner, Rocky Roquet, Darwin Barney, Luis Rivas, Jason Dubois and So Taguchi. … [Read more...]

According to a report on Rotoworld, the Cubs signed Japanese pitcher Ken Kadokura to a minor league contract on Monday that includes an invitation to Spring Training. Rotoworld did not link to a source for the signing and they are the only outlet reporting the deal at this time.
The Tribune reported the Cubs interest in the 35-year old Japanese right hander toward the end of December.
Updated - 4:46pm C.T. - With information and three additional signings … [Read more...]